Chapter 28 : Chapter 28
Chapter 28. On the Force of Martial Artists
Seeing everyone’s reaction, Chen Ze nodded in satisfaction and continued:
“The second level is minor accomplishment, where force can extend three inches beyond the body. However, to produce such force, one must at least have the vitality of the Four-Meridian Realm as support.”
“The third level, major accomplishment, allows force to extend six inches. By then, the first six meridians in the body are fully opened, forming a circulation of vitality. This is a solid Six-Meridian level.”
At this point, Chen Ze revealed a look of longing and sighed. “As for the perfected level, one can project force nine inches beyond the body. However, that requires all eight extraordinary meridians to be fully opened—it is as difficult as ascending to the heavens…”
“So, when it comes to martial techniques, a higher foundation can crush those below. The higher your cultivation, the more abundant your vitality, and the stronger your force.”
At the end, Chen Ze reminded them, “Therefore, do not even think about challenging someone above your level—you will die miserably!”
“Instructor Chen, what if my force is stronger, but my realm is lower than my opponent’s?” A tall young man asked as soon as Chen Ze finished speaking.
Chen Ze glanced at him. After a moment, he replied unhurriedly, “A good question. However, someone one realm above you will have faster reaction speed—you will hardly be able to hit them. Even if you do, they can offset your attack with their more abundant force.”
“That is why I said, a higher foundation crushes all. This applies to both martial techniques and cultivation!”
Xu Yuan and the others all looked serious, committing this firmly to memory so they would be prepared if they ever faced such a situation.
“Instructor Chen, how should we choose between martial techniques and cultivation?” A female martial artist suddenly raised her hand and asked.
The others also showed curiosity. This was currently the most important issue for them.
“If you are confident in your aptitude and comprehension, then choose both. If not, then focus on one.”
Chen Ze spoke leisurely, “From my experience, those who break through cultivation quickly usually have better physical foundations, so they can focus on that. If you have a good memory and can understand things quickly and clearly, then choose martial techniques.”
“Moreover, whichever one you improve will benefit the other.”
“When you reach the beginner level in Benlei Fist, your control over your body becomes clearer, making it easier to overcome bottlenecks. When your cultivation breaks through to the Two-Meridian Realm, your vitality becomes stronger, and practicing Benlei Fist will also become faster.”
Hearing this, everyone present fell into thought.
Xu Yuan also came to a realization. In that case, he seemed to have a better feel for the Benlei Fist, and the order of his training became clear.
“Alright, from now on, I will teach you key points of the Benlei Fist at this time every day. Watch carefully and learn well. Do not come looking for me unless necessary.”
After speaking, Chen Ze began explaining the Benlei Fist and the common problems encountered during practice.
Once he finished, he had several people ask questions. Then, just like Feng Xiao before him, he left decisively.
As soon as the “teacher” left, the atmosphere on the training ground became lively.
Everyone gathered in their own small circles to study and discuss.
Xu Yuan and the others exchanged some insights before beginning their practice.
Before long, a somewhat familiar voice sounded, “Brother Xu, Brother Li, long time no see.”
Xu Yuan and Li Shan looked up and saw Sun Rong from their former small group walking toward them gracefully.
At this moment, she wore a clean and tidy gray training outfit. The tightly bound waist accentuated her already developing and alluring figure. A light layer of rouge adorned her face, making her delicate features even more vivid and charming.
Quite a few young men nearby showed interest, whispering to each other about which dormitory she belonged to.
“So it is Sister Sun,” Li Shan replied with a smile, though there was now a trace of polite distance in his expression.
Sun Rong naturally sensed this subtle change but did not mind. She cupped her fists toward them and smiled:
“I finally found you. There are too few female martial artists to form groups, so we have all been moved here to train together.”
Xu Yuan also nodded to her but did not say much.
Although he understood the change in Sun Rong’s mindset, he could not completely ignore her deliberate distancing.
Sun Rong maintained her smile, her tone sincere. “I had some matters to deal with before, which is why I distanced myself from you two. I apologize and hope we can still learn from each other in the future.”
At this moment, two or three other young women approached from afar, their voices soft and lively, immediately drawing the attention of the men around.
“Rongrong, we finally found you! Big Sister has been looking for you,” said a sharp-chinned woman as she walked over and affectionately took Sun Rong’s arm. When she saw Xu Yuan and the others, a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes.
“That is right, hurry up. Do not stay around these stinky men,” another woman said, rolling her eyes at the surrounding gazes.
A trace of helplessness appeared in Sun Rong’s eyes. She then cupped her fists toward Xu Yuan and Li Shan. “Sorry, I have something to attend to. Let us meet again next time.”
After the group of women left, Wang Huan, Qin Yang, and the others quickly gathered around.
“Brother Xu, you know a girl? Why did you not say so earlier?”
“Should you not introduce her to us?”
“Introduce what? We are not that familiar,” Xu Yuan replied irritably, glancing at them.
That group clearly was not simple, yet these fellows still dared to rush forward eagerly.
In his previous life, he had died because of such matters. He remained extremely cautious about things like this.
“What a buzzkill… let us ask Brother Li.” Seeing Xu Yuan’s indifferent reaction, they turned to Li Shan instead, asking all sorts of questions with far more enthusiasm than they ever showed for martial training.
Seeing this, Xu Yuan shook his head.
“They are simply too repressed.”
…
That evening, after dinner, the group returned to the dormitory. Rarely, no one went off on their own or disappeared elsewhere.
Perhaps it was because it was the first day of learning a martial technique, making it feel fresh. Or perhaps Gao Yuan’s earlier news had slightly strengthened the bonds among them.
Wang Huan, who regarded himself as the leader of the dorm, spoke first. Though his attitude remained somewhat condescending, he shared quite a few valuable insights.
In comparison, Li Shan’s reflections were rather ordinary, mentioning only a few minor details.
Unexpectedly, Qin Yang had quite good comprehension as well, offering several insights that others had not noticed.
With the atmosphere built up to this point, everyone else, more or less, shared some of the problems they had encountered.
The others then worked together, each offering suggestions and explanations, doing their best to resolve the doubts raised. The dormitory atmosphere reached a delicate yet harmonious balance.
…